Why Saudi women can't drive and maybe let alone the whole women of the World

Why Saudi women can't drive...

Our attention was drawn to a report on Saudi Arabia by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which contains the responses of a Saudi delegation to various questions posed by the Committee.

It's fairly heavy going (if you're feeling ambitious it's available online), but we were struck by a section towards the end where the delegation helpfully explain why women are forbidden to drive in Saudi Arabia:

"Regarding the issue of driving at the beginning of Islam, there were no cars, and women straddling camels or donkeys, and participated in all walks of life. This story has been, and could not be forgotten. The question was not related to the Shariah. However, the problem was not linked to the laws of the state, it is an issue for society. When people and mentalities are ready, women would be allowed to drive a car. Once there was a need for women to drive, then it would be permitted. The Government is concerned about women, and this is why those who were responsible were against the idea of women driving cars. "

Which clears that issue up.